四分戒本疏卷第一．第二．第三 3.102

3.102

"If a bhikṣu stays in an army for two nights or three nights, and either views the army in battle array, or viewing the traveling army, the strength and power of the elephants and horses, it is a prāyaścittika." This complete Prātimokṣa text contains five phrases: first, the transgressor; second, first being in the army due to a reason; third, "or views," which specifically clarifies the act of viewing; fourth, from "the army in battle array" onwards, the object viewed, within which are four: 1. army, 2. array, 3. battle, 4. strength and power; fifth, the determination of the offense. In distinguishing the characteristics, the first phrase can be understood. The second phrase is as permitted in the previous precept. Third, regarding "views the army in array": this is the act of viewing. Fourth, regarding "the army in battle array" and so forth: the army in battle array is as explained before. The forms of battle are either mock combat or real combat. Regarding "strength and power": the foremost strength of elephants, strength of horses, strength of chariots, strength of infantry, and so on. Fifth, regarding "prāyaścittika": this is the phrase of violation. Minor and grave are not the same: if a bhikṣu goes to view and sees, he commits a prāyaścittika; if he does not see, he commits a duṣkṛta. The rest is as in the previous precept. As for non-offense: if there are conditions such as being summoned, or perils from authorities, or perils to life or pure conduct, even if he does not leave, there is no offense.